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The Infernalist Witch has long been one of the most iconic archetypes in Path of Exile 2, and with Patch 0.3.0, the class has received one of its most exciting updates yet: a fully realized Demon Form. Unlike the earlier iterations, the new Demon Form allows players to wield weapons while transformed, massively increasing build versatility and synergy.

This guide focuses on the Lightning Demon Form Infernalist, a league-starter setup that begins with a smooth Contagion and Essence Gain core before evolving into a Ball Lightning and Lightning Warp powerhouse around level 75. Whether you're new to PoE2 or an experienced exile looking for a flashy, mobile, and scalable league starter, this build offers a strong foundation.

Pros and Cons of the Infernalist Build

Pros

·Tremendously clear speed once Ball Lightning and Lightning Warp are unlocked.

·Smooth scaling into late game; Contagion and Essence Drain remain viable throughout progression.

·Visually stunning Demon Form with satisfying spell explosions.

·Adaptable for both SSF and Trade league playstyles.

·Currently one of the trending archetypes of Patch 0.3.0.

Cons

·Mana-hungry - resource management is key.

·Squishy early game, relying on minions and careful positioning.

·Requires specific gear stats (mana regen, resistances, spell scaling) to reach peak performance.

·Has a steeper learning curve compared to more defensive archetypes.

Build Progression (League Starter)

The Lightning Infernalist progresses smoothly from level 1 all the way to 75+ without requiring expensive uniques. That said, having the right Path of Exile 2 Items can accelerate your journey dramatically.

The build starts with Contagion and Unearth, supported by Skeleton Warriors to provide survivability. Around midgame, you transition into Essence Drain, and by late game, Lightning Warp and Ball Lightning carry your damage output and mobility.

1. Contagion

Your bread-and-butter DoT spell for early leveling. Cast on enemies to spread chaos damage across packs. Excellent for clearing.

·Base Damage: (1.9-93.9) Chaos DPS

·Spread Radius: 1.7 metres

·Scaling: Spell Damage and Chaos Damage

Tip: With quality bonuses, Contagion spreads faster and targets additional enemies, making it a strong mapper even into midgame.

2. Unearth

Creates corpses and summons Bone Constructs from them, which act as additional minions. Useful for both damage and utility.

·Damage: (4-117) to (6-176) Physical

·Construct Limit: (8-20)

·Duration: 15 seconds

3. Skeleton Warriors (Rattling Scepter)

Summons tanky Skeletal Warriors to soak damage. These act as your buffer during the early squishy stages.

·Reservation: (60-20) Spirit

·Quality Bonus: Increases minion life.

4. Essence Drain

Projectile-based Chaos DoT that becomes a major part of your single-target rotation once unlocked.

·Base Chaos Damage: (9.2-409.4) per second

·Duration: 4 seconds

·Scaling: Spell, Chaos, and DoT multipliers.

5. Lightning Warp

The core of your late-game Demon Form playstyle. Teleports into targets or Ball Lightning projectiles, exploding with devastating Lightning damage.

·Damage: (2-54) to (30-1032) Lightning

·Radius: 4 metres AoE

·Shock Duration: 10 seconds

Support Gem Priority

·Unleash - Best linked with Contagion for wider spread.

·Last Gasp - Enhances Skeleton Warriors' uptime.

·Swift Affliction I - Boosts Contagion's DoT significantly.

Early Gear Progression

·Main Hand: Start with Torture Wand (Chaos Bolt), then upgrade to Sanctified Staff for Consecrate.

·Off-Hand: Rattling Scepter for Skeleton Warriors.

·Armor: Prioritize Life and Mana regen early; boots should have movement speed.

·Amulets & Rings: Focus on resistances, life, and +levels to spells.

Stat Priority

1. Levels to spells

2. Spell Damage / Chaos Damage

3. Maximum Mana & Mana Regen

4. Cast Speed

5. Maximum Life

6. Elemental Resistances

7. Movement Speed

Passive Tree (Level 1-16 Starter)

·Spell & Minion Damage: +32% Spell and Minion Damage.

·Raw Destruction: +10 Intelligence, +16% Spell/Minion Damage.

·Practiced Signs + Cast Speed nodes: +12% Cast Speed.

·Open Mind + Mana Regen nodes: +45% Mana Regen.

·Pure Energy: +30% Maximum Energy Shield, +10 Intelligence.

·Dampening Shield: +28% Maximum ES, improved stun/ailment threshold.

·Mana Blessing: +20 Maximum Mana, +20% Mana Regen.

This setup ensures sustainability, damage scaling, and survivability in the early game.

League Starter Playstyle

The Infernalist league starter is a hybrid between minion tanking and Chaos/Lightning spell dominance.

Early Game Rotation:

·Cast Contagion → Unearth for corpses → Summon Skeleton Warriors to act as a frontline.

·This loop clears maps efficiently while keeping you safe.

Midgame (Essence Drain Unlocked):

·Use Essence Drain for sustained boss damage.

·Keep Contagion running to spread chaos damage.

Late Game (Lightning Warp Online):

·Apply Essence Drain, then Warp into enemies/projectiles with Lightning Warp for huge AoE bursts.

·Use Skeleton Warriors situationally as distractions while you rain down lightning explosions.

The transition from Chaos DoTs into Lightning burst damage creates a build that feels smooth from Act 1 to maps and truly shines in endgame Demon Form gameplay.

Final Thoughts

The Lightning Demon Form Infernalist is one of the flashiest and most effective league starters in Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.3.0. With incredible clear speed, smooth progression, and high mobility, this build feels both satisfying and competitive.

For Trade league players, leveraging the economy to buy POE2 Items or buy POE2 Currency can help fine-tune the build much faster, especially when aiming for mana sustain and capped resistances. For SSF players, patience and farming will eventually yield the tools you need.

If you're looking to start strong in the new league, embrace the Infernal flames - and unleash the storm.